Function
A cytochrome P450 monooxygenase involved in fatty acid metabolism in the eye. Catalyzes the omega-hydroxylation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) docosahexaenoate (DHA) and its precursor eicosapentaenoate (EPA), and may contribute to the homeostasis of these retinal PUFAs. Omega hydroxylates saturated fatty acids such as laurate, myristate and palmitate, the catalytic efficiency decreasing in the following order: myristate > laurate > palmitate (C14>C12>C16). Mechanistically, uses molecular oxygen inserting one oxygen atom into a substrate, and reducing the second into a water molecule, with two electrons provided by NADPH via cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR; NADPH-ferrihemoprotein reductase).
Tissue Specificity
Broadly expressed. Detected in heart, brain, placenta, lung, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney, pancreas, retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and lymphocytes.